Personal Narrative: All Star Team

Words: 786
Pages: 4

I experienced disillusionment several years ago, when I was a cheerleader. I participated in what is known as “sideline cheering,” where a cheerleading team performs small cheers on the sidelines of a football game, and a 2-3 minute long performance during halftime. At the end of each season, our team would enter one or two competitions against other local teams. We would perform a complex routine including tumbling, stunts, and dancing. Competitions were always my favorite part of the season. During practice one day, a friend mentioned that she was trying out for a cheer team a few towns over, called an “All Star team,” which she explained as a team who participated in competitions year round, instead of attending football games. The idea enthralled me, …show more content…
I found myself in competition with children who had been cheering since they could barely walk. They exceeded me in nearly every skill, I was facing six year olds who could flawlessly execute a complex tumbling routine as if it was a walk in the park. However, I didn't give up. I did have one advantage, which were my jumps. Cheerleading includes mastering a multitude of different jumps, all of which I was confident I could complete with ease. They were my strong point, earning me several ribbons and awards. When it came time for my audition, I dismissed my nerves and performed to the best of my ability. A few hours later, I received a call. I made the team! I started attending practices, and began to realize the team required more involvment than I originally expected. Each team member was expected to attend at least two tumbling classes a week, aside from the multiple practices I already attended through the week. The coaches were much stricter, forcing girls to condition for hours at a time. I was told it would make us a stronger team, so I pushed through, not giving up even when it felt too difficult, for fear